Topic 2
Topic 2
Topic 2
1. Derivation of S. F. E. equation
The Steady Flow Energy (SFE) equation, often used in thermodynamics and fluid mechanics, describes
the energy balance for a fluid flowing steadily through a control volume. It is derived from the first
law of thermodynamics, which is the principle of conservation of energy. Let's derive the SFE equation
step by step.
The first law of thermodynamics for a control volume states that the rate of energy entering the
control volume minus the rate of energy leaving the control volume equals the rate of change of
energy within the control volume. For a steady-state process (where conditions within the control
volume do not change with time), the rate of change of energy within the control volume is zero.
Therefore, the energy entering the control volume must equal the energy leaving it.
1. Internal Energy (U): The energy associated with the internal state of the fluid.
2. Kinetic Energy (KE): The energy due to the fluid's motion.
3. Potential Energy (PE): The energy due to the fluid's position in a gravitational field.
4. Work (W): The work done on or by the control volume, including shaft work and flow work.
5. Heat Transfer (Q): The heat added to or removed from the control volume.
Energy Terms
For a fluid entering and leaving a control volume, the specific forms of these energies are:
Consider a control volume with mass flow entering and leaving. The first law of thermodynamics for
steady flow can be written as:
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Where:
Simplifying Assumptions
Equation Formulation
Rewriting in terms of specific energy terms, the steady flow energy equation is:
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Summary
The steady flow energy (SFE) equation for a control volume in steady state is derived from the first law
of thermodynamics. It balances the heat added to the system, the work done by the system, and the
changes in enthalpy, kinetic energy, and potential energy of the fluid as it flows through the control
volume. The final form of the SFE equation is:
This equation is fundamental in the analysis of energy changes in flowing fluids, particularly in
engineering applications involving turbines, compressors, heat exchangers, and nozzles.
Application of the S.F.E.E
1. Boilers
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The Steady Flow Energy (SFE) equation is essential for analyzing various thermodynamic systems,
including boilers. A boiler is a device that converts water into steam by heating it with energy from
fuel combustion. In this application, we'll use the SFE equation to analyze the energy balance for a
boiler operating at steady state.
The SFE equation for a control volume (in this case, the boiler) in steady state is given by:
where:
1. No Work Done: 𝑊˙=0 because boilers do not perform any shaft work.
2. Negligible Changes in Kinetic and Potential Energy: The changes in kinetic energy (𝑣2/2 ) and
potential energy (𝑔𝑧) are usually very small compared to the enthalpy change and can be neglected.
𝑄˙=𝑚˙(ℎ2−ℎ1)
where:
1. Identify the Control Volume: The control volume is the boiler itself.
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2. Determine the Mass Flow Rate: 𝑚˙m˙, which is the mass flow rate of the steam (usually equal to the
mass flow rate of the feed water entering the boiler).
3. Determine Enthalpies:
ℎ1: Specific enthalpy of the feed water entering the boiler.
ℎ2 : Specific enthalpy of the steam leaving the boiler.
Practical Steps
𝑄˙=𝑚˙(ℎ2−ℎ1)
Obtain ℎ1 from steam tables or a Mollier diagram for the feed water at its inlet conditions (pressure
and temperature).
Obtain ℎ2 from steam tables or a Mollier diagram for the steam at its outlet conditions (pressure and
temperature).
Example Calculation
Given:
Steps:
1. Determine ℎ1 :
From steam tables, for water at 20°C and 1 bar: ℎ1≈83.93 kJ/kg.
2. Determine ℎ2:
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From steam tables, for steam at 200°C and 1 bar: ℎ2≈2776.2 kJ/kg.
3. Calculate 𝑄˙ :
Thus, the boiler requires a heat input of 2692.27 kW to convert the feed water at 20°C and 1 bar into
steam at 200°C and 1 bar.
Conclusion
The Steady Flow Energy equation is a powerful tool for analyzing energy transformations in boilers. By
accounting for the enthalpy changes of the working fluid (water/steam), engineers can determine the
necessary heat input to achieve desired operating conditions. This ensures efficient boiler operation
and helps in the design and optimization of thermal systems.
2.condensers
The Steady Flow Energy (SFE) equation is equally important for analyzing condensers, which are
devices used to condense steam or vapor into liquid by removing heat. This process is critical in
power plants, refrigeration systems, and other industrial applications. Let's apply the SFE equation to
understand the energy balance in a condenser operating under steady-state conditions.
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Steady Flow Energy Equation
The SFE equation for a control volume in steady-state operation is given by:
where:
𝑄˙=𝑚˙(ℎ1−ℎ2)
where:
1. Identify the Control Volume: The control volume is the condenser itself.
2. Determine the Mass Flow Rate: 𝑚˙, which is the mass flow rate of the steam/vapor entering and
leaving the condenser.
3. Determine Enthalpies:
ℎ1 : Specific enthalpy of the vapor entering the condenser.
ℎ2 : Specific enthalpy of the liquid leaving the condenser.
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Practical Steps
𝑄˙=𝑚˙(ℎ1−ℎ2)
Obtain ℎ1 from steam tables or a Mollier diagram for the vapor at its inlet conditions (pressure and
temperature).
Obtain ℎ2 from steam tables or a Mollier diagram for the liquid at its outlet conditions (pressure and
temperature).
Example Calculation
Given:
Steps:
1. Determine ℎ1 :
From steam tables, for steam at 100°C and 1 bar: ℎ1≈2676 kJ/kg.
2. Determine ℎ2 :
From steam tables, for water at 100°C and 1 bar: ℎ2≈419 kJ/kg.
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3. Calculate 𝑄˙ :
Thus, the condenser removes 4514 kW of heat from the steam to condense it into water.
Conclusion
The Steady Flow Energy equation provides a framework to analyze the energy transformations in a
condenser. By focusing on the enthalpy changes of the working fluid (steam/water), we can calculate
the rate of heat removal necessary for the condensation process. This ensures efficient operation and
helps in designing and optimizing condenser performance in various thermal systems.
3.compressors
The Steady Flow Energy (SFE) equation is crucial for analyzing the performance of compressors, which
are devices used to increase the pressure of a gas by doing work on it. In this context, the SFE
equation helps determine the work required to compress the gas, accounting for changes in enthalpy,
kinetic energy, and potential energy.
The SFE equation for a control volume in steady-state operation is given by:
where:
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𝑄˙ is the rate of heat transfer into or out of the control volume.
𝑊˙ is the rate of work done by or on the control volume.
𝑚˙ is the mass flow rate of the gas.
ℎ is the specific enthalpy.
𝑣 is the flow velocity.
𝑔 is the acceleration due to gravity.
𝑧 is the elevation.
1. Negligible Changes in Potential Energy: The change in potential energy (𝑔𝑧) is usually very small
compared to the enthalpy change and can be neglected.
2. Considerable Changes in Kinetic Energy: In some cases, changes in kinetic energy (𝑣2/2) can be
significant, especially for high-speed flows, but often they can also be neglected for simplicity.
Practical Steps
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If there is no heat transfer (𝑄˙=0
Obtain ℎ1 and ℎ2 from thermodynamic tables or equations of state for the gas at the inlet and outlet
conditions (pressure and temperature).
Example Calculation
Given:
Steps:
1. Determine ℎ1 :
From thermodynamic tables, for gas at 300 K and 1 bar: ℎ1≈300 kJ/kg.
2. Determine ℎ2 :
From thermodynamic tables, for gas at 500 K and 5 bar: ℎ2≈520 kJ/kg.
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Thus, the work required to compress the gas is 220 kW.
Conclusion
The Steady Flow Energy equation is essential for determining the work input required for a
compressor. By considering the changes in specific enthalpy and accounting for any kinetic energy
changes, engineers can accurately evaluate compressor performance, ensuring efficient design and
operation. This approach is crucial for optimizing energy use and maintaining reliable operation in
various industrial applications.
4.Turbines
The Steady Flow Energy (SFE) equation is essential for analyzing the performance of turbines, which
are devices that convert the energy of a fluid (usually steam, gas, or water) into mechanical work. In
this context, the SFE equation helps determine the work output from the turbine, accounting for
changes in enthalpy, kinetic energy, and potential energy.
The SFE equation for a control volume in steady-state operation is given by:
where:
1. Negligible Heat Transfer: For an ideal adiabatic turbine, 𝑄˙=0. In reality, some heat loss may occur,
but it is often small compared to the work output.
2. Negligible Changes in Potential Energy: The change in potential energy (𝑔𝑧) is usually very small
compared to the enthalpy change and can be neglected.
3. Considerable Changes in Kinetic Energy: Changes in kinetic energy (𝑣2/2) can sometimes be
significant, especially for high-speed flows.
Practical Steps
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2. Determine Specific Enthalpies:
Obtain ℎ1 and ℎ2 from thermodynamic tables or equations of state for the fluid at the inlet and
outlet conditions (pressure and temperature).
Example Calculation
Given:
Steps:
1. Determine ℎ1h1:
From steam tables, for steam at 400°C and 3 MPa: ℎ1≈3231 kJ/kg.
2. Determine ℎ2 :
From steam tables, for steam at 200°C and 1 MPa: ℎ2≈2790 kJ/kg.
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Thus, the turbine produces 2205 kW of work from the steam.
Conclusion
The Steady Flow Energy equation is essential for determining the work output from a turbine. By
considering the changes in specific enthalpy and accounting for any kinetic energy changes,
engineers can accurately evaluate turbine performance, ensuring efficient design and operation. This
approach is crucial for optimizing energy use and maintaining reliable operation in various power
generation and mechanical systems.
5.Nozzles
The Steady Flow Energy (SFE) equation is instrumental in analyzing the performance of nozzles, which
are devices designed to accelerate fluid flow, converting pressure energy into kinetic energy.
Understanding the energy transformations in nozzles is crucial for applications in jet engines, rockets,
and various industrial processes.
The SFE equation for a control volume in steady-state operation is given by:
where:
Practical Steps
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2. Determine Specific Enthalpies:
Obtain ℎ1and ℎ2 from thermodynamic tables or equations of state for the fluid at the inlet and outlet
conditions (pressure and temperature).
In many practical cases, 𝑣1 may be small compared to 𝑣2 and can be approximated as negligible.
Example Calculation
Given:
Inlet conditions: Steam at 400°C and 3 MPa (use steam tables to find ℎ1 )
Outlet conditions: Steam at 200°C and 1 MPa (use steam tables to find ℎ2 )
Inlet velocity: 𝑣1=50 m/s
Steps:
1. Determine ℎ1
From steam tables, for steam at 400°C and 3 MPa: ℎ1≈3231 kJ/kg.
2. Determine ℎ2 :
From steam tables, for steam at 200°C and 1 MPa: ℎ2≈2790 kJ/kg.
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Thus, the exit velocity of the steam from the nozzle is approximately 940.5 m/s.
Conclusion
The Steady Flow Energy equation is crucial for determining the velocity of the fluid exiting a nozzle. By
accounting for the changes in specific enthalpy and kinetic energy, engineers can accurately evaluate
nozzle performance, ensuring efficient design and operation. This approach is vital for optimizing fluid
dynamics in various applications, such as jet propulsion, industrial processes, and power generation
systems.
6.Throttling process
The Steady Flow Energy (SFE) equation is essential for analyzing throttling processes, which are
common in various engineering applications such as refrigeration systems, gas pipelines, and other
fluid flow systems. Throttling processes involve a fluid passing through a restriction, such as a valve,
orifice, or porous plug, resulting in a significant pressure drop without any work done by or on the
system. Understanding this process helps in designing and optimizing systems for efficient operation.
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Steady Flow Energy Equation
The SFE equation for a control volume in steady-state operation is given by:
where:
1. No Work Done: 𝑊˙=0 because throttling devices do not perform any work.
2. Adiabatic Process: 𝑄˙=0 since throttling processes typically occur rapidly, allowing little to no heat
transfer.
3. Negligible Changes in Kinetic and Potential Energy: Changes in kinetic energy (𝑣2/2 ) and potential
energy (𝑔𝑧) are usually very small compared to the changes in enthalpy and can be neglected.
ℎ1=ℎ2
1. Identify the Control Volume: The control volume includes the fluid before and after the throttling
device.
2. Determine the Mass Flow Rate: 𝑚˙, which is the mass flow rate of the fluid passing through the
throttling device.
3. Determine Specific Enthalpies:
ℎ1 : Specific enthalpy of the fluid before throttling.
ℎ2 : Specific enthalpy of the fluid after throttling.
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Practical Steps
1. Enthalpy Conservation: Since ℎ1=ℎ2 , the specific enthalpy before and after throttling remains
constant.
Measure or obtain the conditions (pressure, temperature) of the fluid before and after the throttling
process.
Use thermodynamic tables or software to find ℎ1 and ℎ2 .
Example Calculation
Given:
Steps:
1. Determine ℎ1 :
From thermodynamic tables for Refrigerant-134a at 1.6 MPa and 40°C, ℎ1≈267.5 kJ/kg
2. Determine ℎ2 :
After throttling, the pressure is 0.8 MPa. Because ℎ1=ℎ2, ℎ2 is also 267.5 kJ/kg.
Using thermodynamic tables, find the temperature corresponding to ℎ2=267.5 kJ/kg at 0.8 MPa.
This gives the temperature after throttling.
Conclusion
The Steady Flow Energy equation simplifies significantly for a throttling process, leading to the key
result that the specific enthalpy remains constant (ℎ1=ℎ2 ). This principle is vital for analyzing and
designing throttling devices, ensuring that they function correctly within systems such as refrigeration
cycles and fluid distribution networks. By understanding and applying the SFE equation, engineers can
predict the behavior of fluids undergoing throttling and optimize system performance accordingly.
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CALCULATIONS
The calculation of work, heat transfer, changes in internal energy, and changes in enthalpy involves
the application of the First Law of Thermodynamics and various specific thermodynamic relations.
Here's a step-by-step guide to performing these calculations for different processes in a
thermodynamic system.
Δ𝑈=𝑄−𝑊
where:
Work (𝑊)
where 𝑛 is the number of moles, 𝑅 is the universal gas constant, 𝑇 is the absolute temperature, 𝑉𝑓 is
the final volume, and 𝑉𝑖 is the initial volume.
where 𝑃 is the constant pressure, 𝑉𝑓 is the final volume, and 𝑉𝑖 is the initial volume.
𝑊=0
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because the volume does not change, so no work is done.
where 𝑃𝑖 and 𝑃𝑓 are the initial and final pressures, 𝑉𝑖 and 𝑉𝑓 are the initial and final volumes, and 𝛾
is the specific heat ratio (𝛾=𝐶𝑝𝐶𝑣 ).
1. Isothermal Process:
𝑄=𝑊
2. Isobaric Process:
𝑄=Δ𝐻=𝑛𝐶𝑝Δ𝑇
where Δ𝐻 is the change in enthalpy, 𝐶𝑝 is the specific heat at constant pressure, and Δ𝑇 is the
change in temperature.
3. Isochoric Process:
𝑄=Δ𝑈=𝑛𝐶𝑣Δ𝑇
4. Adiabatic Process:
𝑄=0
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Change in Internal Energy (Δ𝑈)
Δ𝑈=𝑛𝐶𝑣Δ𝑇
where 𝐶𝑣 is the specific heat at constant volume and Δ𝑇 is the change in temperature.
Δ𝐻=𝑛𝐶𝑝Δ𝑇
where 𝐶𝑝 is the specific heat at constant pressure and Δ𝑇 is the change in temperature.
Example Calculation
Consider a system of 1 mole of an ideal gas undergoing an isobaric expansion from an initial state of
2 L and 300 K to a final state of 4 L. The pressure remains constant at 1 atm throughout the process.
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1.
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